In most fire departments and some EMS agencies have to file a bunch of paperwork to report the fires/rescues, additional info i.e. number of patients, levels of damages and so much more. Well, there’s a new “day” coming, starting on January 2, 2026!

Our podcast welcomes Troy Lachinski of Image Trend, a company integral to the change of Fire/EMS recording within the new system, NERIS, National Emergency Response Information System. More than just a system upgrade, NERIS will fundamentally change how change how departments report, analyze and act on critical data.

Joining us on this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force, is Troy Lachinski. As one of the key personnel who is assisting departments (and you, our viewers and listeners) as to how recording we have been using for decades, But it was often “go” or “no-go.” If the data wasn’t entered as soon as the crews return from the call, folks were exhausted and let it slide to the morning and sometimes, it never did get down.

Watch and listen to our guest, Troy Lachinski, and you will see the why’s and wherefores and how NERIS will be better us.

Troy supplied these links to more information about NERIS!

Core Data Schemas:
https://fsri.org/program-update/neris-core-data-schemas-released-beta

Secondary Schemas:
https://fsri.org/program-update/neris-releases-secondary-data-schemas-30-day-national-engagement-period

Please remember that we need your help so that we can financially assist a Brother, Sister or their families in dire need. Please visit our website at https://5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and you’ll see a photo of the Silver Siren. Please click on the picture and our donation page pops up. Choose the value and the method of paying. You’ll see a small label that says, “Apply my Gift To” and please select FOUNDATION.

Episode 254: Episode 9-17 - Troy Lachinski - Preparing for NERIS